Infrastructure Bill set to reform Highways Agency 10 December 2014

The Highways Agency is to become a government-owned company, which, says DfT (Department for Transport), will ensure greater certainty over the upgrades planned between now and 2021 under the government's £15 billion Road investment strategy.

That is among key outputs following the second reading of the Infrastructure Bill on Monday (8 December 2014).

DfT says this will save the taxpayer at least £2.6 billion over the next 10 years. It also confirms that the Highways Agency will be renamed Highways England from April 2015.

This organisation will be responsible for delivering more 100 new road schemes between now and the end of next parliament.

"This government is making a transformational £15 billion worth of improvements to our road network between now and 2021," says Roads Minister John Hayes.

"It is only right that the new government-owned company has a name that reflects its new role, as a road operator that delivers a fast, efficient and better service," he continues.

"A strategic road network monitor role will be undertaken by the Office of Rail Regulation, who will publish information on the performance of the new Highways England and will have the power to take action for poor performance."

This is a good move, according to the FTA (Freight Transport Association) head of road network management policy Malcolm Bingham.

"FTA has supported the change in the function of the Highways Agency; now the new title of Highways England will reflect the remit of the new organisation, which we believe is important," he says.

"FTA has been and will continue to work closely with the new governance arrangements to ensure that the road freight users' voice is fully represented."

The Infrastructure Bill, which is expected to receive Royal Assent by March 2015, will also see Passenger Focus renamed Transport Focus, to provide road users with a stronger voice in how roads are managed and maintained.

Author
Brian Tinham

Related Companies
Department for Transport
Highways Agency

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